It was also noted by the mental health charity that EastEnders' "innovative and inspirational portrayals of mental distress have led to genuine impact".

EastEnders' executive producer Diederick Santer this afternoon told DS: "We've won many, many awards, gongs and trinkets in recent years, but to be told by the charity Mind, who are behind these awards, that we are making a difference is an accolade that all of us who work on the show can truly be proud of."

Earlier this year, Stacey Slater began showing signs of her bipolar condition following the death of her best friend Danielle Jones.

Mind's annual Mental Health Media awards were held at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in London last night.